Tuesday was an emotional day in Timothy’s Londis in Roscommon. After 25 years at the heart of commercial and community life in Roscommon Town, an era was drawing to a close for Vincent and Annie Timothy, proprietors of the landmark outlet at Abbeytown.
During the Roscommon People’s visit, customers kept approaching the popular husband and wife team to wish them well as they hand over the reins to new owners, following the recent sale of their premises.
Hugs, kisses, handshakes and warm words were being exchanged every few minutes. It’s obvious how much of a bond people have established with Vincent, Annie and family, and indeed with their staff.
“This has been like a second home to me” one local woman said, a tear in her eye. Another customer came up and wished Annie well. “I’m heartbroken” was all he could say. Yes, indeed. An emotional day.
25 years
Annie Timothy (centre) well on her retirement! Photo: Michael Finan
Annie and Vincent Timothy purchased the store at Abbeytown from Marty and Ann Kiernan in November 1999. Annie, a native of Mullingar, and Vincent, who hails from the Glinsk area, had up to that point been running a Centra store in Glenamaddy. That’s where they raised their three children – Nicholas, April and Roisin.
Over the years, Timothy’s was truly a family business, with all of the children working in the store at some stage. Annie and Vincent themselves have put in long hours for 25 years. They were always happy to support local causes, believing it to be an integral aspect of how SMEs should support their local communities. They’ve loved the journey, but it was hard going too. The time has now come to move on.
“I suppose you could say we are retiring… there’s a time to go” Annie told the Roscommon People on Tuesday. Vincent agreed that the time is right, that they are comfortable with their decision to sell. The new proprietors are Darren and Julianne Brennan, who have been running a Centra premises in Athlone for the past four years.
38 people are employed in the store at Abbeytown. Four of those staff were there 25 years ago when Vincent and Annie began the venture: they are Mike Crean, Pat Beirne, Michelle McGovern and Mary-Claire Mannion.
“Our staff have been the backbone of our business” Annie says, Vincent nodding in agreement. “People coming up to us all week have – without exception – mentioned our staff, and how friendly and helpful they are”.
Vincent adds that they employed a huge number of students for seasonal work over the decades, and they too have contributed to this success story.
One might add that Annie and Vincent (and family) made an enormous contribution too. They cared about their customers, and their community, treating people as valued friends… and always going the extra step to make sure shoppers were well looked after.
Great support
As they prepared for the big handover, Vincent and Annie spoke from the heart about how good people have been to them over the years.
Annie: “Roscommon Town has been very, very good to us. We have received great support here. You become friends with your customers. You get to know people. The local support has been tremendous”.
Vincent says the reaction of people has been overwhelming since news of the sale became common knowledge. In acknowledging their great staff, and the loyal support of customers, they were also keen to thank their many local suppliers for their cooperation and friendship. They are also proud to say they have enjoyed very friendly relations with fellow business owners, competitors included, over the years.
Like so many similar businesses, Timothy’s Londis remained open during the Covid-19 trauma. The work was hard, the hours demanding, the risks self-evident. As the pandemic raged, they put a delivery service in place. An invaluable service it was too.
“It was important” Annie reflects, “to look after the elderly in particular. It was such a tough time for everyone”.
Retirement
As yet, they haven’t given a lot of thought to specific retirement plans. But they will. For Vincent, it’s likely to see him further indulge his love of vintage cars; Annie will no doubt look forward to more time on the golf course. At some stage, a trip to Australia (where two of their children are currently based) will be on the cards.
For now, there is the prospect of a first Christmas in over a quarter of a century that won’t be dominated by work commitments.
There’s a mix of excitement and nostalgia in the air on this Tuesday afternoon, an undeniable sense of that era coming to an end. Of course when one door closes, another one opens.
As our photographer lines up a few more shots, this very popular couple continue their unscheduled nostalgic journey as more customers approach to dispense hugs and good wishes.
The 25 years have flown by. On this last day, Vincent and Annie are still unassumingly at the heart of the community even as they prepare to pass the business baton on and store the precious memories of shared good times.
New proprietor pays tribute to Timothy family
The Brennan family from Athlone have wished the Timothy family the very best of luck in the future as the award-winning store in Abbeytown, Roscommon formally changes hands.
Timothy’s of Abbeytown transitions to Brennan’s Centra this week, with Darren and Julianne Brennan being the new proprietors.
Darren and Julianne (who have a 14-month-old baby, Oisín) already run an established Centra store in Castlemaine Street, Athlone.
Speaking to the Roscommon People on Tuesday, Mr Brennan said they were very much looking forward to launching the Centra brand in Abbeytown.
“We would like to wish the Timothy family every success going forward. Annie and Vincent and their family have run a great store here over the past 25 years.
“What attracted us to this premises was the fact that Timothy’s has been at the heart of what is a great town. We are delighted to have this opportunity to build on what the Timothy family have achieved here over the years”.
Darren confirmed that all staff are being retained and that there are exciting plans for a relaunch in the New Year. A revamp of the store will feature an emphasis on greater energy-efficiency and sustainability.
He added that the new management and staff are looking forward to a busy Christmas period with excellent value guaranteed for the loyal customers of this landmark store.
Mr Brennan concluded: “We are very conscious of the great relationships built up by the Timothy family and their staff over the years and we will continue their tradition of supporting the local community at every opportunity. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Brennan’s Centra over the festive period”.
